Search found 3370 matches

by telemark
Wed May 22, 2019 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723926

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

I'm reading Kipling, from Project Gutenberg. Plain Tales from the Hills is exactly that, stories of the hill and plains country of India, plainly told. If you happen to be writing a textbook or manual on writing style, this would be an excellent source to mine for examples, from the proper use of metaphor Little by little, softly and pleasantly, she began taking the conceit out of Pluffles, as you take the ribs out of an umbrella before re-covering it. to economy in a character sketch There was nothing good about Mrs. Reiver, unless it was her dress. She was bad from her hair--which started life on a Brittany's girl's head--to her boot-heels, which were two and three-eighth inches high. She was not honestly mischevious like Mrs. Hauksbee: s...
by telemark
Mon May 20, 2019 3:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Lies, Damned Lies, And Index Funds
Replies: 43
Views: 7168

Re: Lies, Damned Lies, And Index Funds

retiringwhen wrote: Mon May 20, 2019 11:31 am I know in other threads folks have complaining about Vanguard nudges to ETFs, etc. At least in the Vanguard case their nudges are almost exclusively to lower cost options.
I have accounts at both Fidelity and Vanguard. Exactly one of them is constantly pushing me to do things I have no interest in doing (for example, an email just this morning, telling me what big dreams I have). When I sign into my account on their web site, I often have to click through a popup just to get access to my account balances.

And no, it isn't Fidelity.
by telemark
Tue May 14, 2019 10:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there a mp3DirectCut but for .m4a audio files?
Replies: 10
Views: 2818

Re: Is there a mp3DirectCut but for .m4a audio files?

It appears that Audacity can do that. You can download a Windows executable from

https://www.audacityteam.org/download/windows/
by telemark
Tue May 14, 2019 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I really do not like using credit cards. Do any of you have a good credit score with no credit cards?
Replies: 247
Views: 11569

Re: I really do not like using credit cards. Do any of you have a good credit score with no credit cards?

For what it's worth, I lived quite happily for decades without using a credit card: I simply never felt the need. The one card I did have was eventually cancelled because I wasn't using it. At one point I got turned down for something, I no longer remember what, and got a copy of my credit score. Somewhat to my surprise, it was zero even though I had a mortgage. The first step in answering your question would be to get a copy of your current credit score. If it's acceptable (to you), you're finished.
by telemark
Sat May 11, 2019 11:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lower risk is in my plan but I just can't!
Replies: 52
Views: 5173

Re: Lower risk is in my plan but I just can't!

I was at 60/40 for a long time, planned to move to 50/50, but when the time came to pull the trigger it seemed like a scary amount of money to move all at once. So I did 55/45 instead, and went to 50/50 about a year later.
by telemark
Thu May 02, 2019 12:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Series I Savings Bonds Buying Opportunity
Replies: 52
Views: 12007

Re: Series I Savings Bonds Buying Opportunity

tipswatcher wrote: Wed May 01, 2019 8:36 pm I bought my 2019 I Bond allocation in March. I just hope the Treasury is just as generous in the November rate reset, to give me a chance at a great rate in January.
This is exactly why the Treasury can afford to be generous (if they even think of it that way, and I have no evidence on either side of that question): we won't see any massive flow of money out of TIPS into I Bonds, because the annual contribution limits don't allow it. I Bond rates aren't really in competition with anything else.
by telemark
Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: save on interest by paying down mortgage principal
Replies: 70
Views: 7705

Re: save on interest by paying down mortgage principal

scrabbler1 wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2019 11:21 pm Back in the 1990s, I paid off large chunks of principal on my mortgage. ...
I did that also. But mortgage interest rates are ridiculously low now, compared to what they were in the 1990s.
by telemark
Sun Apr 28, 2019 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Cellphone SIM card hijacking - Security concerns and mitigation techniques]
Replies: 254
Views: 39653

Re: Man’s life savings stolen from hijacked cellphone number

SpaethCo wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2019 4:38 pm
Silence Dogood wrote: Sun Apr 28, 2019 10:09 am Two-factor authentication, even using SMS, is still significantly more secure than not using two-factor authentication at all.
Im sad to say, this isnt necessarily true.

2FA is the second authentication factor, so the important question is: how did the attacker get the password? ...
The article mentions password resets repeatedly (without saying if one was used in this incident). Two-factor authentication is supposed to be something you have and something you know, but when it's used for password resets it turns into only something you have, that can be taken without your knowledge.
by telemark
Fri Apr 26, 2019 11:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: replacement for Airport Express for music
Replies: 19
Views: 4845

Re: replacement for Airport Express for music

The Airport Express uses an Apple protocol called AirPlay. For a DIY project, you can set up a Raspberry Pi to do the same thing: see

https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-airplay-receiver/
https://lifehacker.com/turn-a-raspberry ... am-5978594

or just search on Raspberry Pi Airplay.

A Sonos Connect would also do the job, and I have a number of Sonos units of various types, but at this point I hesitate to recommend them: they're overpriced, proprietary, every iteration of the user interface seems to get a little worse, and I don't like their privacy policy. Other than that they're great.
by telemark
Thu Apr 25, 2019 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Efficiency and limited Bond funds in 401k
Replies: 6
Views: 508

Re: Tax Efficiency and limited Bond funds in 401k

mega317 wrote: Thu Apr 25, 2019 12:15 pm JCBUX looks at first glace like a fine fund to me. 0.3% is really NBD. Good credit quality, intermediate duration. It actually looks almost identical to Vanguard Total Bond Index except the ER.
I agree, and if you are that close to retirement you will soon have the option of rolling into an IRA with your own choice of funds.
by telemark
Mon Apr 22, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which WAP to replace Airport Extreme - please no mesh recommendations
Replies: 116
Views: 8394

Re: Which WAP to replace Airport Extreme - please no mesh recommendations

At the risk of being tedious, I don't understand why you are running into double NAT with the Airport Extremes. Assuming that you have another router connected to FIOS, none of the Extremes should be doing NAT at all. In Airport Utility, under the Network tab, the router mode should be set to Off (Bridge Mode) for each Extreme. Only one router, the one connected directly to the internet, should be doing NAT.

For what it's worth, I have a single Airport Express configured to provide a guest network and haven't noticed any problems.
by telemark
Sat Apr 20, 2019 1:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Efficient Markets Indeed
Replies: 60
Views: 6359

Re: Efficient Markets Indeed

If that's the Zoom I'm thinking of, they made some good modems back in the day. An example of the ideosyncratic risk of concentrating in single stocks.
by telemark
Fri Apr 19, 2019 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Updating to MacOS Mojave on an old mac Mini
Replies: 8
Views: 1314

Re: Updating to MacOS Mojave on an old mac Mini

According to Apple, only Minis introduced in "late 2012" or later are compatible with Mojave. You may need to check the exact release date on yours.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201475
by telemark
Fri Apr 19, 2019 12:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: This could be the biggest risk that retirees face?
Replies: 117
Views: 10526

Re: This could be the biggest risk that retirees face?

Kenkat wrote: Thu Apr 18, 2019 8:05 pm Dying young does not seem like a good risk mitigation strategy.
You could always worry yourself to death, reading Marketwatch articles.
by telemark
Fri Apr 19, 2019 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Air Purifier for Bedroom?
Replies: 17
Views: 3299

Re: Air Purifier for Bedroom?

Is there a certain place to put it? On my floor? next to bed? As close to your bed as you can reasonably get, and close the doors to your bedroom at night. If the problem is only dust and particles, a simple HEPA filter would do the job, and I would start there. The problem with any purifier is that it only cleans the air that moves through it, so to do a good job you have to move a lot of air and that means noise, although some designs are quieter than others. If the problem is odors and gases, the best solution is good ventilation, but that's not always practical, especially in winter, and it brings in pollen from outside. Be sure that youre not sensitive or allergic to something in your bedding. This is a good place to research air puri...
by telemark
Tue Apr 16, 2019 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085803

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Much better than the reviews had led me to expect. I saw it in 2D, but many scenes were obviously intended to look good in 3D. Contains scenes of dragon courtship.
by telemark
Tue Apr 16, 2019 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA forcing bad asset allocation
Replies: 8
Views: 1052

Re: Roth IRA forcing bad asset allocation

You do realize that you can exchange assets within your Roth IRA at any time with no tax consequences? Just because it currently contains only bonds and REIT does not mean that you have to keep it that way. First decide on your overall asset allocation - let's say 50% total stock, 30% total international, 10% REIT, and 10% bonds. Take into account what you are currently holding in your brokerage account and figure out what your Roth has to have in order to get to your desired allocation. Make the exchanges and open up new funds in your Roth. As you make new contributions to your Roth and brokerage accounts use them to keep your asset allocation on track. Exactly. Also, holding a bit of everything in a tax advantaged account lets you do all...
by telemark
Tue Apr 16, 2019 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?
Replies: 313
Views: 43227

Re: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?

smitcat wrote: Tue Apr 16, 2019 10:39 am
TheTimeLord wrote: Tue Apr 16, 2019 10:32 am
telemark wrote: Tue Apr 16, 2019 10:29 am Shark wheels with Zealous bearings on my Penny Nickel.
Are you just randomly stringing words together?
Skateboard....
The Penny wheels and bearings are perfectly good, but the Shark wheels handle rocks and debris much better, and I prefer built-in bearings.
by telemark
Tue Apr 16, 2019 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?
Replies: 313
Views: 43227

Re: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?

Shark wheels with Zealous bearings on my Penny Nickel.
by telemark
Sun Apr 14, 2019 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Park City Utah Hiking
Replies: 26
Views: 2346

Re: Park City Utah Hiking

The snow pack is unusually high this year, so you may want to take that into consideration. You might think it would all be gone by late June, and that might be wrong. I suggest having several possibilities in mind, and choosing on the basis of the weather that day.
by telemark
Sat Apr 13, 2019 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a new microwave
Replies: 38
Views: 4127

Re: Need a new microwave

There is an XKCD entry on common microwaving problems, and why all ovens have hot and cold spots.

https://what-if.xkcd.com/131/

Why don't the Wirecutter and similar sites test their microwave ovens with appalams?
by telemark
Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Stock Exchange (Project Gutenberg ebook)
Replies: 0
Views: 323

The Stock Exchange (Project Gutenberg ebook)

For anyone who might be interested in 1913 books about the stock exchange: In accordance with the scope of the series of Books on Business, of which this little work forms an item, its main object is to explain to the unversed in simple terms the somewhat complicated machinery of the Stock Exchange. Some criticism is ventured upon here and there, and a practical hint may be gleaned now and again from its pages; but the real aim of the book is merely to explain, not to comment. If the book conveys some idea of the important part the Stock Exchange plays in the economy of the nation, and of how it plays that part; if it furnishes a solution of the various mysteries which the routine of the Stock Exchange presents to many minds, the objects of...
by telemark
Sun Apr 07, 2019 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a new microwave
Replies: 38
Views: 4127

Re: Need a new microwave

Look for a microwave (or Faraday box) with inverter technology. Internet explanation of how they work: A microwave with inverter technology relies on inverters as the main power supply instead of magnetic coils or transformers. Inverter technology operates steadily at 50% power throughout the cook time, so energy is distributed consistently and foods are cooked more evenly. That does not make sense to me. Maybe there are some missing parts of the explanation. Or maybe it's nonsense. I once had a convection/ microwave. I had trouble with the convection oven and stopped using it. Next time I bought a conventional microwave. This is interesting. Most microwaves deliver different power levels by varying the duty cycle, alternating periods of f...
by telemark
Sun Apr 07, 2019 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it bad to have nothing in taxable when you retire?
Replies: 62
Views: 7847

Re: Is it bad to have nothing in taxable when you retire?

Another issue is that it seems to limit your ability to buy annuities. If your money is in a tax deferred account you would presumably have to withdraw the full cost of the annuity plus enough more to pay the additional taxes on the withdrawal, which may put you into a higher bracket. Or perhaps you could buy a series of smaller annuities over a period of years. How do people deal with this? Sounds like a feature:) But it also is a nonissue: https://www.immediateannuities.com/roll-over-ira-or-401k/ No, that's not how it works. Most annuities (e.g. SPIA's) are funded with pre-tax (e.g. "qualified") funds. You only pay taxes on the actual amount of income you receive from the annuity each year. Additionally, the full amount of the ...
by telemark
Sun Apr 07, 2019 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it bad to have nothing in taxable when you retire?
Replies: 62
Views: 7847

Re: Is it bad to have nothing in taxable when you retire?

Another issue is that it seems to limit your ability to buy annuities. If your money is in a tax deferred account you would presumably have to withdraw the full cost of the annuity plus enough more to pay the additional taxes on the withdrawal, which may put you into a higher bracket. Or perhaps you could buy a series of smaller annuities over a period of years. How do people deal with this?
by telemark
Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe: Expected Vs. Realized Returns
Replies: 78
Views: 8368

Re: Larry Swedroe: Expected Vs. Realized Returns

Really important to appreciate that estimates represent a mean with associated wide dispersion of potential returns. High current valuations predict for modest future returns. Moreover the whole potential dispersion of future returns shifts left: less good good outcomes and worse bad outcomes. Dave Dave, is there a way to explain this in terms of what it actually means to a retirement saver? Paul Samuelson wrote several articles, including one made of entirely one-syllable words, but gave up in frustration. This just doesn't fit with what most BHers would prefer to believe, even though it is true. The expected return is the weighted average of all the possible outcomes, but of all the possible outcomes, only one will actually occur, and it...
by telemark
Sat Apr 06, 2019 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1373
Views: 166918

Re: Received a Ransomware email

Luckywon wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 8:50 am
SoDakJeff wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 8:48 am
Luckywon wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 8:13 am
SoDakJeff wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 7:38 am What's troubling to me, though, is the email contained my correct name and a password (also correct) that I use on a generic site
could you share what site? others who have registered there may like to know.
Kayak - the travel site.
Good to know, thanks!
Kayak had a publicized security breach in 2012, and of course there may have been others that didn't make the news or weren't noticed.

Kayak.com investigates after customers discover security breach
by telemark
Sat Apr 06, 2019 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of selling my financed iPhone XS Max and going back to Android...
Replies: 40
Views: 3463

Re: Thinking of selling my financed iPhone XS Max and going back to Android...

It's a personal decision. I have trouble believing that the Excessivus Maximus offers four times the value of a $300 phone, or six times a $200 phone, but some people think so and who am I to say they're wrong? Depends a lot on what you use it for, and how often. Remember, in a couple of years the new model will be out and no one who is anybody will be using the ancient and obsolete XS that doesn't even have whatever the next new thing is.
by telemark
Fri Apr 05, 2019 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it bad to have nothing in taxable when you retire?
Replies: 62
Views: 7847

Re: Is it bad to have nothing in taxable when you retire?

If you plan to retire before Medicare age (65), consider the ACA subsidies. To qualify for a subsidy you have to keep your AGI below 400% of the Federal poverty level, currently around $65K for couples. Some money in taxable or Roth gives you more flexibility in dealing with this. I retired at 58 with about four years worth of expenses in taxable accounts, and while I didn't plan that and wouldn't necessarily recommend it, it's been very convenient: I can do Roth conversions to control my AGI while spending down the taxable money.
by telemark
Thu Apr 04, 2019 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: French movies on Netflix
Replies: 40
Views: 3805

Re: French movies on Netflix

There's a pretty good TV mini-series of The Count of Monte Cristo from 1998, with Depardieu in the title role. It was on Netflix a few years ago but isn't there now, but there seem to be parts available on YouTube. Also, Barnes & Noble is advertising a DVD for $29.95, which is probably more than I would want to pay, but should let you control the subtitles.
by telemark
Mon Apr 01, 2019 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Retiring before 65: How do you deal with health insurance?]
Replies: 88
Views: 14755

Re: [Retiring before 65: How do you deal with health insurance?]

I am wondering what's the consequence of mistake in managing MAGI while having no earned income (as one is retired from paid work). For example, one signs up for 2018 ACA at the end of 2017, anticipating income from investments/interests/IRA rollover for 2018 to be below 200% FPL. However, at the end of 2018 or rather at the end of 1Q2019 (while start to collect all forms to prepare filing tax returns for 2018) found out that their actual 2018 MAGI income actually exceeded anticipated amounts (lets say just over by $50). How would this "belated" finding affect (1) 2019 ACA plan they already signed up/approved (2) 2018 tax form (i.e., paying back premium cost difference and/or cost sharing benefit? I'd like to think their 2019 ACA...
by telemark
Sun Mar 31, 2019 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19417

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

MD here. In terms of affecting your long term health and statistical longevity, my first rule would be DO NOT SMOKE. No other behavioral decision is likely to have a greater impact than whether of not you choose to use tobacco products. Second would be to get regular exercise and stay near your ideal weight. Many people out there are committing slow suicide by excess caloric consumption. By no means brilliant or original suggestions, but very important ones. Those are the big ones. In addition, I would add: Avoid loud noises and music, and if you can't do that, wear earplugs. I have a lot of deaf friends, and what I've noticed is that they all hate it. Especially as you get older, do some strength training with an eye to maintaining muscle...
by telemark
Sat Mar 30, 2019 9:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Series I Savings Bonds Buying Opportunity
Replies: 52
Views: 12007

Re: Series I Savings Bonds Buying Opportunity

Cosmo wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 8:13 pm For those of you that advocate buying i-bonds on the last business day of the month, I am curious where everyone parks their money while they are waiting? In my case, it is coming from my paychecks, which are automatically deposited in my WF free checking account, which presently earns pennies of interest per month. So for me, unless I do some intra-month maneuvering, my money will be just sitting in my WF account anyway, essentially earning nothing. Thanks in advance.

Cosmo
My Treasury Direct account is linked to my savings account at American Express, currently paying 2.10%. Still doesn't come to much for one month, but it's better than nothing.
by telemark
Sat Mar 30, 2019 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TVs: OLED vs. QLED
Replies: 52
Views: 5798

Re: TVs: OLED vs. QLED

rgs92 wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:17 am Somehow I think anyone who grew up with tube-TVs may have a hard time thinking anything beyond regular HD 1080P is more than anyone would need. (I'm still looking in wonder at my good old 52 inch Sony LCD HD tv from 10 years ago).

I can appreciate things like OLED, but it's not something I would really want to upgrade to.

Just my 2 cents and my humble opinion. 'just wondering if anyone else feels the same way.
Well, yeah. I watch TV on a 24-inch Dell IPS screen, which also functions as my computer monitor. Sooo much better than what I grew up with, and I'm happy to be off the hedonic treadmill.
by telemark
Fri Mar 29, 2019 11:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: alaska cruise
Replies: 14
Views: 2791

Re: alaska cruise

I did the helicopter flight to a glacier and it was amazing, both the glacier itself and the flight. I remember thinking "look at the moss on those rocks" and then realizing that I was looking at pine trees. But I can also understand not being comfortable with the flight: you're suspended in what feels like a very unsubstantial glass bubble.
by telemark
Thu Mar 28, 2019 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Review of sardine brands
Replies: 44
Views: 9502

Re: Wild Planet Sardines quality problem [Review of sardine brands]

In a sandwich, wrapped in freshly baked whole wheat bread.
by telemark
Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you rebalance across Roth and Traditional Acounts?
Replies: 29
Views: 2591

Re: How do you rebalance across Roth and Traditional Acounts?

international001 wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:48 pm Note that this articles make the distinction between tax and tax-sheltered, what further complicates things
Not really. The general principle is that asset classes are, for the most part, fungible between different types of accounts. As a general principle it applies to various specific situations, of which I think this is one. If anything, there is more fungibility in a Roth account than in taxable.
by telemark
Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TVs: OLED vs. QLED
Replies: 52
Views: 5798

Re: TVs: OLED vs. QLED

adamthesmythe wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2019 11:25 am
Ketawa wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2019 10:26 am
adamthesmythe wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2019 10:17 am QLED is better but OLED is cheaper.
This is backwards.
Oopsle. I had it right in the last sentence though.

It's important to mind your Ps and Qs, and also Os.
The QLED name almost seems deliberately chosen to invite confusion. Purely an accident, I'm sure :)
by telemark
Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you rebalance across Roth and Traditional Acounts?
Replies: 29
Views: 2591

Re: How do you rebalance across Roth and Traditional Acounts?

As mentioned in the wiki, there is an argument that it doesn't matter because you will be rebalancing on withdrawals anyway: Do Your Asset Classes Care Where They Are?. Note that not everyone agrees on this, and Dr. Bernstein includes an opposing view.

Personally, I treat Social Security as (possible) future income and taxes as (possible) future expenses. I try to plan for each as best I can, but I don't count them in my asset allocation.
by telemark
Mon Mar 25, 2019 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice men's jeans
Replies: 52
Views: 16973

Re: Nice men's jeans

gtg970g wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:06 am My Costco only carries even number waist sizes and unfortunately I fall between two of the sizes.
As does approximately half the customer population. You'd think there would be a store somewhere that only carries odd sizes...
by telemark
Sun Mar 24, 2019 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Retiring before 65: How do you deal with health insurance?]
Replies: 88
Views: 14755

Re: [Retiring before 65: How do you deal with health insurance?]

The cost for ACA plans is going to depend on where you live, but you can browse current plans in your area at the healthcare.gov site without needing to create an account. I'm paying about $600/month for a bronze plan, and the ACA subsidy covers most of that.
by telemark
Sun Mar 24, 2019 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?
Replies: 326
Views: 57027

Re: Anyone disenchanted with retirement?

No regrets at all. While I was still working I would get upset at the mess the junior programmers were making out of my beautiful code, but now I don't have to look at it any more. There was one big surprise: my life changed much less than I thought it would, and in hindsight the answer is perfectly simple. Anything I really wanted to do, cared deeply about doing, I was already doing because you always find ways to do the things you really care about. The other stuff, the things that sound as though they might be fun, are still mostly not worth the effort it would take to do them. I've taken up Nordic skiing again, something I thought I would never be able to do again. I'm not as good as I was fifteen years ago, due to a damaged heart, but ...
by telemark
Sat Mar 23, 2019 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody tempted by the new iPads?
Replies: 37
Views: 3959

Re: Anybody tempted by the new iPads?

bgf wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2019 6:04 am my old nexus 7 was my favorite device ever. I might get whatever competes with the mini, if there is anything. i thought this kind of device went extinct basically.
I'm still using my 2013 Nexus 7. It's a good size for reading ebooks. You might take a look at the new 7-inch Nook. I haven't tried it, but the specs look decent and the $49.95 price is attractive.
by telemark
Tue Mar 19, 2019 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is technical analysis all smoke and mirrors?
Replies: 138
Views: 17943

Re: Is technical analysis all smoke and mirrors?

My favorite explanation of technical analysis:

Image

Source: https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2009/09/20
by telemark
Sun Mar 17, 2019 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard: "Your Account Needs to be Transitioned"
Replies: 47
Views: 15196

Re: Vanguard: "Your Account Needs to be Transitioned"

This is a new and peculiar use of the word need, meaning roughly that Vanguard really really wants all its customers to use brokerage accounts. I have been ignoring this for several years now, with no consequences other than having to click through yet another plea when I sign in.
by telemark
Sun Mar 17, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Power of Not Caring
Replies: 61
Views: 7986

Re: The Power of Not Caring

I'm in the middle of reading Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. The creature desparately wants human contact and acceptance, and it's hard to miss that his failures occur precisely because he wants it so much that the idea of failure is unbearable to him. But he had the misfortune to run across "The Sorrows of Young Werther" early in his education, and that probably disposed him to feel everything much too deeply.

My advice? Go easy on the Gothic novels :wink:
by telemark
Sat Mar 16, 2019 1:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: End of Support Chromebook
Replies: 70
Views: 10758

Re: End of Support Chromebook

I have a Samsung Chromebook I bought in 2012. I just powered it up and it started receiving updates. Pull up Settings, use the menu in the top left corner, and choose About Chrome OS.

P.S. Mine just finished, and under Detailed Build Information it shows a build date of January 11, 2019.
by telemark
Wed Mar 13, 2019 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085803

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

ruralavalon wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:06 am King Solomon's Mines, on Turner Classic Movie (TCM) channel.

This is an adventure film shot in Africa, hunter Allan Quartermain guides a brother and sister searching for her missing husband. This 1950 movie stars Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr.
The Quatermain books are worth reading. H. Rider Haggard held a minor government position in South Africa during the Boer war, so underneath all the romance is a very real knowledge of place. I don't know if any of that finds its way into the movie.
by telemark
Wed Mar 13, 2019 2:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Button Down Shirts / Travel Pants / Light Jacket? Other Tips from experienced Boglehead world travelers?
Replies: 179
Views: 19775

Re: Button Down Shirts / Travel Pants / Light Jacket? Other Tips from experienced Boglehead world travelers?

Look into an elastic traveling clothesline. Great tip! Why "elastic"? The one I own (I wish I could find a brand or link) can stretch and has hooks on either end, so regardless of the geometry of the space in which you are living, you can usually find a place to hang it that works. By elastic, I mean the property of being stretchable- I think mine is latex but I am not positive. The clothes do not slip off. It has several clips along its length that serve like clothespins, and particularly useful are sliding plastic pieces that lock on to the clothesline between hooks that prevent your clothes from all sliding and bunching up at the lowest point on the line, As an alternative, you can buy some ordinary parachute cord and learn to...